Baroque

Paper Summary:

This paper gives a history of the roots of Baroque music and how it evolved within the Baroque era between the years 1600 and 1750. The paper relates to various composers (such as Bach and Handel) who contributed to the Baroque period of classical music. The paper also shows how Baroque music influenced music as we know it today.

From the Paper:

"Historically, Baroque music introduced embellished melodies, contrapuntal forms and harmonic complexity emphasizing instrumental and vocal contrasts. The Baroque era is generally stated as the time between years 1600 and 1750. The word "Baroque" was derived from the French language and the Italian word "barocco" meaning, "bizarre". It was originally used in reference to the architecture of cathedrals and other buildings at that time. These churches were more elaborate due to the emphasis placed on religion at the time as a result of the socio-political status of the church and state. At this time, the Catholic Church was in full reign over the land, and practically synonymous with the law and the monarchies. The people were devoted to their God and their home, and created such elaborate pieces as a tribute to both. As times progressed, the music changed as well. Baroque music was complexly composed to combine an array of harmonies and melodies that were not before explored in earlier works."

More papers on Baroque:

• Comparison Essay # 128095 : "Rococo, Neoclassicism and Genre: Beyond the Baroque"
• Term Paper # 136900 : "The Renaissance and the Baroque"
• Comparison Essay # 90363 : "Baroque and Rococo Art"
• Essay # 73048 : "Baroque Influence on Rembrandt, Hollar and Leclerc"

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